Although most businesses now realise that social media can play a significant role in their marketing and employer branding, few recognise they value of their employees and the role that they can play in the businesses social media efforts.

The average person has 5 social media accounts, so it is highly likely that employees are already very active online and would be willing to become a social media advocate for the company. Not only are your employees a more trustworthy source than official company accounts, but getting them involved in sharing brand related content can also expand your reach significantly.

Everyone Social have put together an infographic looking at how businesses can amplify their brand voice by encouraging employees to be vocal on social media. Here’s how your company could benefit from employee advocacy:

How are businesses using social media?

On average companies post: 1-2 times a day on Facebook; 4-15 times a day on Twitter and 20 times per month on LinkedIn

50% of employees are post about their employer on social media and of this 50% 1/3 of the posts are positive

39% of employers ask their employees to keep an eye out for social media posts about the company

How are employers helping employees to get involved on social media?

13% provide employees with 1 or more social media account

35% provide access to social media at work

55% of employers provide readily available tools for employees to use on social media

How can social media affect employee engagement?

Employees with the most extensive online networks are 7% more productive than their colleagues

Employees of socially engaged companies are 20% more likely to stay at the organisation

What are the benefits of employee advocacy on social media?

Content shared by employees receives 8x more engagement than that shared by official brand channels

Brand messages reach 561% further when shared by employees, than by official brand channels

90% of consumers said that they trust social media and word-of-mouth recommendations by friend and family more than other advertising.